Op-Ed: Beyond Budget Battles—Keeping Sustainability a Priority in MCPS

Individuals and communities across the world increasingly feel climate change’s devastating effects. If we do not take immediate action to address pressing environmental issues, we risk causing irreversible damage, not only to the environment but to the future of society as a whole. Recent climate reports continue to confirm these warnings, highlighting the urgency for local action.

____________________________________________________________________________

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) play a crucial role in addressing and mitigating these consequences. Earlier this year, concerns arose about the FY 2026 budget cuts that could have impacted the Division of Sustainability and Compliance. Students and community members pushed the MCPS Board of Education to stay true to its commitment to environmental stewardship and rethink those proposals. In June, the Board adopted a budget that preserved the division, but funding remains tight, making continued advocacy essential. 

Eighth-grader Ella Wan, President of Montgomery County Junior Council (MCJC), spoke during a February Board of Education hearing, emphasizing the division’s critical role in keeping MCPS environmentally sound and safe. She highlighted, “Scientists warn that if we don’t take immediate action, these dangerous trends will only continue…[r]emoving this division not only contradicts our school system’s commitment to sustainability, but equity, as well, as climate change disproportionately harms low-income and marginalized communities.” Thanks to this division, Montgomery County has made important progress towards achieving many of its climate targets, such as reducing emissions by 80% by 2027 and reaching net zero by 2035. Since then, MCPS has reaffirmed these goals and expanded its Green Schools program, adding 12 new schools in 2025 and bringing the total to 113, a clear sign that sustainability remains a priority even among budget pressure. 

Our community remains concerned about maintaining these commitments. While the division was not eliminated, advocates stress that vigilance is necessary to prevent future cuts and ensure resources match the scale of climate challenges. Protecting sustainability programs now will determine whether MCPS meets its ambitious climate goals in the years ahead. 

As Ella pointed out, “Discriminating against this division is not only a contradiction to our school system’s commitment to sustainability and equity but also fights climate change that [... disproportionately] impacts low-income and marginal communities.” Her message is still relevant today. Preserving the division is only the first step and continued investment and community engagement are critical to meet Montgomery County’s climate targets. 

____________________________________________________________________________

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance is essential for achieving Montgomery County's climate goals and ensuring the safety of our schools. MCPS students and staff have urged the Board of Education to continue supporting sustainability efforts, which are crucial for the health and future of the community. As of October 2025, MCPS has kept the division intact and expanded its sustainability programs but the fight for adequate funding and resources is far from over. We must keep MCPS accountable to its climate commitments and ensure that sustainability remains a priority in every future budget decision. 

Works Cited

"Board of Education Tentatively Adopts Operating Budget for FY 2026." Montgomery County Public Schools, ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=13468. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

"Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget - Montgomery County Public Schools." Montgomery County Public Schools Budget Department, Montgomery County Public Schools, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

"Sustainability and Compliance - Montgomery County Public Schools." Montgomery County Public Schools, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/facilities/sustainability/index. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Written by Maria Caballero (MCR-SGA Press Deputy)

Published by the MCR-SGA Communications Department